Prescription Drug Drop Off Day Saturday

Posted May 9,
2014

The Nottawasaga OPP detachment will take part in the
nation-wide annual initiative tomorrow whereby anyone, "can easily
dispose of outdated and unused prescription medications that you may
have in your home."

Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. police detachments will have
drop-boxes set up and people can dispose of the unwanted or expired
medications, anonymously. The initiative is in cooperation between
police and medical agencies across the province.

According to a study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health, about twelve percent of students in Grades 7 - 12 reported
using a prescription opioid pain reliever non-medically.

"Of the 120,000 young people who said they have used opioid
pain relievers to get high, 70 per cent of them said they got the
medication from home," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod. "These
statistics are alarming. By working with our community partners, we see
the ability for organizations like public health, pharmacies and
pharmaceutical companies to work together to reduce the harm of illegal
use of prescription medication. The OPP fully supports this program as
just one more way to reduce the threat to public safety."